KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — The new Proton Perdana, as we all know, is based on the eighth generation Honda Accord, which saw a model life from 2008 - 2012 (according to Wikipedia). That Accord was the biggest ever Honda Accord ever built, and actually had dimensions matching ‘E’ segment sedans, but were sold as a ‘D’ segment car. Later models actually were downsized.
The Proton Perdana story in Malaysia with regard to the current Perdana model started with a re-badging exercise covering around 3,000 units to be used only by Malaysian government agencies, with the first 200 units delivered at the end of 2013.
In June 2016, the Proton Perdana model based on the eighth generation Honda Accord was launched for sale to the Malaysian public, with minor changes to the exterior. The changes included a new front grille and front mask, and re-designed front wings and front bonnet to accommodate the new front. At the rear, a little more re-work had been done, with the C-pillar modified to present a coupe-like silhouette, and a new rendition to the boot area, including new tail lights.
Generally, the underpinnings (i.e. the base platform that holds the suspension points and drive train) are the same, but the new Perdana was different enough to establish an identity in itself. Beauty, it is said, is in the eyes of the beholder – I would not venture to say it looks any better or worse, but I will say it looks different, and whether you like it or not will depend entirely on yourself. Personally, I have no objections.
Mechanically, the Proton Perdana is identical to the eighth generation Honda Accord, and history has it that this model was quite successful while it was selling, with no serious complaints, mechanically speaking. To recap, the Perdana is available with two Honda engine variants, both 4-cylinder Honda i-VTEC power plants, with an option of either a 2.0 litre or a 2.4 litre engine capacity. The 2.0 litre variant has an output of 154 horsepower and 189Nm of torque, while the 2.4 litre variant produces 178 horsepower and 222 Nm of torque. Both variants carry a 5-speed automatic transmission, also from Honda. As part of the co-operation agreement between Honda and Proton, nothing was done to the engine specifications, and no modifications of any sort were allowed.
The same applies to other mechanical parts such as the brakes, suspension and chassis parts, so we can assume that mechanically, it is an eighth generation Accord mounted on an eighth generation platform and chassis, but with modified body panels.
Two days ago, this TMMO writer was part of a group of motoring and other media who took part in a media test drive arranged by Proton that saw us take an indirect route to the historic city of Malacca, a route that took us through highways, trunk roads and B-roads, enough to check out the performance of the new Proton Perdana.
Mechanically, there are no concerns to mention – it drives as well as the Accord used to drive – the additional add-ons and body panel changes appear to have had no effect on the overall handling and performance of the Perdana, compared to the eighth generation Honda Accord. Apparently, there was no drastic weight change as a result of the body panel changes, and in response to a question I asked, I was told the overall weight difference is less than 50 kilograms, mostly to the rear end.
The 5-speed automatic gearbox performed well, as expected. The 2.4 litre variant comes with paddle-shifters while the 2.0 litre variant does not. Throttle response in the 2.4 litre variant is a little faster due to the additional power available, but the 2.0 litre is good enough for practical use. I think the final drive ratios are slightly different between the two variants, with shorter overall ratios incorporated in the 2.0 litre to give it good get-up-and-go. As far as I am concerned, the 2.0 litre variant would be fine with 80 per cent of the likely users.
Overall handling of the Proton Perdana is excellent, and throughout the drive, I had no issues – whether it is on the straight or around the winding B-roads that abound between the states of Negri Sembilan and Malacca, the Perdana gave a good account of itself.
Our road test did not include a fuel economy test – I used most of the time to check out the handling and road performance, so my drive partner and I were quite heavy-footed. Still, we did not see the fuel needle going down very much, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much. ON our way back, it was a more relaxed drive, and despite having to take a detour to avoid a huge jam on the NSE, by the time we got back to the Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam, the fuel gauge has hardly moved from its ‘Full’ position despite travelling a distance in excess of 170 kilometres from Malacca. I believe I did make a similar comment when we tested the 8th Generation Accord from Kuantan to Kuala Lumpur way back in early 2009. I wouldn’t worry too much about fuel consumption on the Perdana.
On an overall note, the question on whether the Proton Perdana is a good proposition is going to decide on its future. The brand-conscious buyer would probably have some difficulties in making the decision to switch to the Perdana. However, in terms of practicality and rationality, I think the Perdana should be considered – it definitely is a great bang per buck – you get Honda reliability, power, and fuel economy, albeit one generation behind, you get a brand new vehicle that is E-segment size, sold as a D-segment at a C-segment price. What more could you ask for?
New Proton Perdana Prices:
Perdana 2.0: 154hp, 189Nm, RM113,438.00 (Solid), RM113,888.00 (Metallic)
Perdana 2.4: 178hp, 222Nm, RM138,438.00 (Solid), RM138,888.00 (Metallic)
